The rugby world was most definitely not in union yesterday after remarks by South Africa's rugby president, Louis Luyt, reduced a banquet to mark the end of the World Cup tournament to acrimonious farce.

In a speech which resonated with the old Afrikaans arrogance, Mr Luyt proclaimed the victorious Springboks as the first 'true' world champions.

'There were no true world champions in the 1987 and 1991 World Cups because South Africa were not there. We have proved our point,' he said.

This prompted New Zealand's defeated captain, Sean Fitzpatrick, to lead his side out of the dinner - but not before some players had approached the top table to take issue with Mr Luyt.

The All Blacks were quickly followed by the French and English. 'It's disgusting. I can not believe what he has said,' Mr Fitzpatrick said afterwards.

The South African Rugby Football Union president's remarks spoiled what should have been a day of celebration for 43 million South Africans. Morne du Plessis, manager of the new world champions, led the apologies.

'Tired and emotional are the words that come to mind, though I am not sure that I followed the theme at that part of Mr Luyt's speech,' he said.

'The difference between being winners and being a sorrowful lot is fragile. We were not there in '87 or '91, and I have my personal doubts about us being able to do anything in terms of winning the World Cup in those years.'

Mr Luyt, who is to diplomacy what Jonah Lomu is to English wingers, compounded his country's embarrassment by inexplicably singling out the Welsh referee Derek Bevan - who officiated at the Springboks' crucial semi-final against France - for special praise. The match, which South Africa won 19-15, was marked by controversy after Mr Bevan denied the French a last-minute try because of an infringement.

To the astonishment of the 1,000 diners - and to the Welshman's obvious embarrassment - Mr Luyt presented him with a £1,000 gold watch, calling him 'the most wonderful referee in the world'.

'If everyone does not think that, I certainly do. I would ask him to step up and receive this gift as the outstanding referee in the World Cup,' the Sarfu president said.

In the spirit of a rapidly disintegrating social event, the mortified Welshman joined his fellow officials as they staged their own walkout in protest at Mr Luyt's behaviour.

'It was something I could have done without,' Mr Bevan said. 'It came out of the blue: I have no idea why he singled me out. It could be misconstrued, and if that is the case, it leaves a bitter taste.'